Stevens Point, Wis. –Bernhard Langer took a two-stroke lead in the 65-year-old German star’s bid to break the PGA Tour Champions career wins record at the tough Sentry World at the U.S. Senior Open on Saturday.
Fan favorites Steve Stryker and Jerry Kelly were close behind Retif Koosen and Ye Yang, and other under-par players with one lap remaining on the tree-lined course with thick, challenging greens.
Langer went three under par for the second time and finished six under par. Langer, a 2010 winner at Sahaley near Seattle, tied Hale Irwin for 45 wins at the Sub Classic in Florida in February.
“No, it wasn’t on my mind,” Langer said of the record. I hope my mind doesn’t go to the next move. This is the secret to playing great golf. »
Alan Doyle is the oldest winner in the event’s history, winning the title at Sentry World in 2006 at 57 years, 11 months, 14 days.
Langer will play with Kelly on Sunday.
“I remember playing in Seattle against Fred in that championship, and if there were 30,000 people, every single one of them was cheering for Fred, and I only had one caddy, my son, a promising longer. It was like a Ryder Cup game in America. »
Saturday’s pairing of Kelly and Stryker closed with birdies on the par-four 18th hole, with Kelly following up with a 20-foot putt and Stryker a 15-footer. They each finished with a 68, with Kelly second under par and Sticker third.
“It’s very special,” Kelly said. It’s great to be with one of my best friends in this situation. Both got the same score and both are still at it. We had so much fun. »
Cousin and Yang, two-time US Open champion, were even. Goosen closed at 71 with a birdie.
Yang dealt a 69 card.
“It’s good to play a course like this once in a while because it helps you focus,” Yang said. I love it. »
Bamling shot 79 to be reduced to six under. He birdied the par fours and par fives, playing the par five fourth hole in seven strokes.
“You never want days like today, but unfortunately you have them,” Baumling said. Let it go and prepare well for tomorrow. »
“Food trailblazer. Passionate troublemaker. Coffee fanatic. General analyst. Certified creator. Lifelong music expert. Alcohol specialist.”